Grab the opportunity to reorganise when you defrost your freezer!

If you're starting to notice thick layers of ice forming in the freezer, this is a sure sign that the time for defrosting your freezer is due. It is definitely not a chore you should be putting off, thinking that it wouldn't make any difference because not only do the thick layers of ice reduce your storage space, it also increases your electricity bills and makes your freezer less efficient.

So try your best not to delay the inevitable, we all know the layers of ice will only get worse. Just follow these simple steps and you'll be defrosting your freezer more often than you would.

1. Turn off your freezer

The biggest deterrent for defrosting your freezer is probably the thought of having to spring clean whatever else is in your fridge. You never truly know what's in there until you take them out to check. If you tend to buy a lot of things at once, we can totally understand why you would dread this moment. But like it or not, clutter, expired and possibly very old food is the biggest reason for a smelly fridge. Overloading it will also affect your refrigerator's performance.

Start defrosting your freezer by turning it off.

2. Empty out your fridge and freezer

Then empty out as much food as you can so that cleaning will be easier. Chuck out old and expired food then put the rest into a cooler box. Alternatively, you can also wrap them in rags or newspaper to slow down the thawing process.

3. Remove all shelves and drawers

It would be easier to clean and remove shards of ice if there is less obstruction. So be sure to remove any removable shelves and drawers.

4. Place rags and newspaper to absorb excess liquid

Protect your floors by putting newspapers or rags so they can absorb any excess liquid while you are defrosting your freezer.

5. The different methods when defrosting your freezer

Because our climate is generally hot all year round, most Asian families tend to rely on time when defrosting their freezers. However, there are several other ways to speed this along bearing in mind all safety precautions:

Use a hairdryer

Use a fan to direct hot air into the freezer

Heat up a metal spatula and place it flat against the ice. Be extra careful that you do not scratch the walls of your freezer and that you do not burn yourself.

Use a hot cloth to break up the thin edges of the ice.

6. Remove the ice wherever possible

You can also speed up the process by removing shards of ice as you go along. Remember not to use a knife or ice pick to chip them off because this will only increase the chance of you scratching your freezer or even causing a leak! Have a bucket nearby so that you can put in the shards of ice that you manage to loosen.

7. Use an absorbent cloth to soak up all the water

As your freezer defrosts, there will be pools of water that needs to be mopped up. You can do this with any highly absorbent cloth and wringing the water into the bucket. Repeat until your freezer is dry.

8. Clean your freezer

After mopping up all the excess water, you need to clean the interior of your freezer. There are commercial multipurpose detergents available, otherwise, just a couple drops of dish liquid detergent mixed with water would do the job as well. A more natural alternative is to make your own cleaning solution using baking powder and vinegar.

9. Dry your freezer before turning it back on

Make sure your freezer is dry before you turn in back on. Also, wipe off any condensation from your frozen food containers before placing them back in. Organise and label them neatly so that they are easier to find. Freeze your food flat so that they are easier to stack.

10. Check the freezer seal has worn out

Now is also a good time to check if any of the seals on your freezer door has worn out because this also contributes to ice build up.

11. Try defrosting your freezer more often

The most important tip to reduce ice build-up is to defrost your freezer more frequently. Besides, a clean and well-organised freezer makes it so much easier for you to find things. Meal planning will a breeze and maybe, just maybe, it will make you cook dinner at home more often.